Visitors can view examples and learn about Hanbok, traditional Korean clothing, in the new exhibit. (photo courtesy of KCCLA)

Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Korean American Muse, presents the special exhibition “Hanbok, Soaring to New Heights” from Thursday, Nov. 7, through Friday, Nov. 29.  

The exhibition celebrates the anniversary of California’s first Hanbok Day and honors the beauty and craftsmanship of Hanbok – traditional Korean garments. Exploring the evolution of Hanbok within Korean American history, the exhibition showcases transformed and contemporary pieces, Minhwa-inspired designs, traditional accessories (binyeo, norigae, jokduri and jobawi) and Bojagi (wrapping cloth) art. 

 “Hanbok embodies a timeless beauty and values that transcend eras. This exhibition reveals both the traditional and modern essence of Hanbok, establishing it as a unique cultural genre,” designer and exhibit curator Eunjoo Kim said. 

“We organized this exhibition to commemorate California’s Hanbok Day and share Hanbok’s cultural significance with American society, revisiting the philosophy embedded in our ancestors’ attire,” KCCLA director Sangwon Jung added. 

An opening reception will be held on Nov. 7 from 7-9 p.m. in KCCLA’s Art Gallery, 5505 Wilshire Blvd. It will include a Hanbok fashion show, blending tradition with modernity.  

KCCLA is also holding a Korea-Mexico cultural exchange event titled “Library of Stories, Flavors, Sounds” on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Santa Fe Springs City Library, 11700 Telegraph Road. Santa Fe Springs has a diverse immigrant community, including a steadily growing Korean American population. The program includes a storytelling performance by the Latin American musical group Cascada de Flores, a reading by author Helena Ku Rhee, a performance of Korea’s national anthem by violinist Sara Jin, a traditional Korean tea and dessert tasting by tea master Youngmi Yi and an exhibition of works by Han Kang, Korea’s first Nobel Literature Prize winner.  

For information on both events, visit kccla.org.